2007 Benefit Gala Highlights
February 12, 2008
The international humanitarian organization Action Against Hunger enjoyed its 8th annual benefit gala in New York on November 7th at Capitale. The evening’s proceeds provide much-needed support to the millions of individuals who benefit from Action Against Hunger’s life-saving programs each year. Action Against Hunger, an international relief and development organization committed to saving the lives of malnourished children and families, provides sustainable access to safe water and long-term solutions to hunger.
Each year, the Action Against Hunger Humanitarian Award is presented to an individual who has made a notable contribution to the humanitarian field. The 2007 award went to acclaimed screenwriter, director, and Academy Award-nominee Terry George in recognition of his substantial humanitarian commitments.
Honorary Gala Chair Christy Turlington Burns presented Mr. George with this year’s award, noting the impact of Hotel Rwanda and calling attention to the International Fund for Rwanda he founded. Mr. George was also recognized for his long-time support of Action Against Hunger’s work and his ongoing efforts to promote the agency’s on-the-ground solutions to global hunger.
A second award—the annual “Employee of the Year Award”—was presented to Action Against Hunger staff member James Brown Bekhat of Uganda for his longstanding commitment to the agency’s lifesaving field programs. Working in some of the most volatile parts of Africa for the past 15 years, Mr. Brown’s contribution to humanitarian action has been one of professionalism and resolve, enduring substantial risks while serving communities in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Sudan.
Sotheby’s Vice-Chair Jamie Niven helped raise over $600,000 from the evening’s auction lots, including the first ever “Special Delegation Trip to the Field”—a field visit to Action Against Hunger’s life-saving programs in Uganda—and a surprise “walk on” role in Terry George’s next film. Two unexpected challenge grants brought the evening’s total giving to $1.2 million.
From the kick-off cocktail party to the actual dinner, the event’s success was enhanced thanks to the generosity of: Capitale; Cinnabar Pictures; ICE – Institute of Culinary Education; Fox Video; Gramercy Tavern; Kaïssa & Maciek; L’Olivier Floral Atelier; Luxottica Group; Monsieur Touton; Rémy Cointreau USA; Restaurant Daniel; Ruth Schwartz & Company, Special Events; Virginie Sommet from Studio 177; Jamie Niven from Sotheby’s; The Thomas Group; and our volunteers.
View a selection of the evening’s photos.















